Kerriidae is a family of
scale insects, commonly known as
lac insects or
lac scales. Some members of the genera
Metatachardia,
Tachardiella,
Austrotacharidia,
Afrotachardina,
Tachardina, and
Kerria are raised for commercial purposes, though the most commonly cultivated species is
Kerria lacca. These insects secrete a waxy
resin that is harvested and converted commercially into
lac and
shellac, used in various
dyes, cosmetics, food glazes, wood finishing
varnishes and polishes.